In keeping with the season, we present curling. In this article, you can find out about the history of curling. It also explains everything you need to know to play a game yourself. In the run-up to Christmas, sometimes until the end of February, there are also several locations in Berlin where you can book and play on the rinks.
Stocksport is a sport that is practiced on ice or asphalt. Basically, the aim is to “shoot” a stick (also known as an ice stick) as close as possible to a target stone (stave).
History of stick sports
The first precursors of curling probably originated in Scandinavia in the 13th century. It was described as a “hunting game” in which the target cube (stave) was “hunted” with a wooden block (curling stick). The aim of the game was to conquer the opponent’s possession by bringing one’s own wooden blocks closer to the target cube. Sports historians believe that curling developed into a popular winter sport in the Alpine region and other parts of Central Europe from the 16th century onwards. There is little evidence of how the sport developed until the 19th century. It was only then that more contributions were found in art and literature that referred to stick sports. The first clubs were also founded. In the 20th century, popularity continued to grow and the first national championships were held, especially in the Alpine region. The first European Championships took place in Garmisch-Patenkirchen in 1951. The winner was Germany. The worldwide popularity reached its first peak in 1983 with the first World Championships in Frankfurt am Main. The winner here was Italy. However, it has not yet been approved as an Olympic discipline.
Playing field
Curling can be played on all smooth surfaces, whether on ice, asphalt, carpet or wooden floors. The playing field is always the same and looks like this:
It consists of 2 rectangles facing each other, the standing field and the target field. Both are 3m wide and 6m long. They are 14m apart. At the end of the standing area is the playing area from which the ice stick is played towards the target area. In the middle of both rectangles is the center cross, on which the target stone (stave) is placed. After one pass, play continues in the opposite direction.
Rules and scoring for the team competition
The aim of the game is to get your own curling stone closer to the target stone (stave) than your opponent. To do this, both teams take it in turns to “shoot” 4 curling stones in the direction of the target stone. If this changes its position within the playing field, it is used. If it lands outside, it is returned to the center cross. Ice sticks that do not reach the target area are removed from the game. Once 4 curling sticks have been played, the first round (sweep) ends.
First, “stick points” are awarded. The team that places their ice stick closest to the target stone wins 3 “stick points”. There are 2 “stick points” for each ice stick placed better than the opponent’s best. So there is a maximum of 9 “stick points” to be won. The game is over after 6 rounds. The team with the most “stick points” receives 2 victory points. In the event of a draw, 1 victory point is awarded to each team. In a tournament, the team that has won the most victory points at the end wins.
Worth knowing
In addition to the team competition, there are other forms of stick shooting, such as the individual, target and distance competitions. You can find information on this and much more here.
Curling is not only fun, but also promotes concentration, fine motor skills and tactical thinking. Playing outside also strengthens the immune system.
The basic equipment for a game consists of a total of 8 ice sticks (4 of each color) with corresponding outsoles and a target stone (stave). You can find everything you need for the sport online. Non-slip shoes and clothing suitable for the weather are also important.
